Security/Speed Six Prices

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D.B. Cooper

D.B. Cooper

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Would some please explain to me why every time I see a Ruger Security or Speed Six for sale, the asking price is nearly as much (within $100) of what I can buy a brand new GP100 for? I don't get it.
 
Not made anymore, many consider (including I) them to be of better quality than their bigger cousin. If I couldnt have a K frame .357 then give the me the Sec. or Speed 6 and I wont be lacking.
 
Six series production ended approximately 1987-1989. Ten years ago you could find them new in box for about $300...not anymore, as I'm sure you have noticed.
 
Why does a nice 67 camaro cost as much as a new one? In both examples they got a lot bigger and I prefer the looks of the old one.
 
I sold one, used, in '99 for $350. Can't seem to replace it. Stainless 4" Security Sixes are rare as hen's teeth and approaching $600. A Stainless 4" GP100 is about $650. I just can't (won't) pay 95% of the new price of the improved version of the same gun. It's not like Security Sixes are collector items or anything. I'm not buying a Python.
 
I don't think the Security-Six is the most beautiful revolver in the world. It doesn't come out of the box with the best action. The first models came with tiny wood panels that made almost everyone go out and buy third party grips. People took the bargain prices for granted and just figured they would always be bargains, even though Bill Ruger told industry insiders that he never made a dime off a Security-Six. Even when the GP-100s came out, everyone figured there must be some improvements in the new guns. But I think people miss good, strong DA .357 magnums that don't feel like one's holding boat anchors at arm's length!



In the early 80s, I think, the Heavy Barrel Security-Sixes came out, and after the gun writers made a big deal out of them, I had to get one. But I was young back then and believed what I read. I couldn't tell a difference! It was a waste of effort getting the bloody thing. Now I wish I had my skinny barrel back! I tried a GP at a gunstore once and a used Security-Six side by side. The GP's balance was a nightmare! But I would never have made a straight change for one from a Security-Six. By then I knew what most SS owners knew. The actions really cleaned up on their own and the guns had a better balance.

If you can get a fairly new Security-Six, they're great guns if you can get them. Especially the stainless versions.
 
Confederate

In the early 80s, I think, the Heavy Barrel Security-Sixes came out, and after the gun writers made a big deal out of them, I had to get one. But I was young back then and believed what I read. I couldn't tell a difference! It was a waste of effort getting the bloody thing. Now I wish I had my skinny barrel back!
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Well I for one really liked the heavy barrel Security Six; gave the gun a better balance and heft to it. Pachmayr Presentation grips helped too but the Security Six was still head and shoulders above the GP100 in terms of being a much nicer handling revolver.
 
Compare a NIB GP100 to a good condition Security/Service/Speed Six and the difference in quality and feel are night and day.

The old Six series guns were tremendously superior revolvers in every way over the still solid GP series. They were discontinued by Ruger do to cost reasons and the cheaper to produce GP series was put in it's spot, even though there was nothing wrong with the Six guns. The GP was paraded as being superior in strength and longevity over the old Six series but in truth it was for cost cutting measures, I'll bet Bill Ruger knew darn well that 99.999% of users would never ever wear out a Six series revolver anyway.
 
Awhile back, to finance another gun purchase, I tried to sell this Security Six with vintage basketweave thumb snap hip holster, original Pachmayr grips and some factory wood grips I bought at a show years ago. Very light cylinder ring & no other condition issues.I haven't shot it in a few years (really a shame I know) and thought it might go to someone who would.
I listed it for $500 on a site where I have sold and traded many times just to see if I would get a bite. When it didn't I dropped it to $450 which I thought was a fair price. No takers. Kind of glad though as I was on the fence about selling it anyway and the other deal fell through.
Security Six.jpg holster.jpg
 
Purchased a security six in the late 60's for duty carry. The small town department of public safety allowed officers to carry privately owned duty weapons. We were issued a box of (50) ammo per month for practice and qualification, most officers did not use there's. I fired a box of 38 sp. in my security six each week for the ten years that it was my daily carry, loaded with 357 when on duty. Fired it twice in line of duty.
The action smoothed out and the double action trigger pull lightened considerably. I have several other revolvers and autos now but the security six is still at my bed side nightly. It has and still serves me well.
This is, in my option, is why they are in high demand and bring a premium price.
Buflow
 
I like the Six series, mainly because they are the perfect size, in-between the SP and GP. I will only pay top dollar for a new one. Too many people alter guns and Ruger won't work on these old guns anymore.
 
I give $425 out the door for the one in my avatar after some back and forth with the pawn shop that had it. I had been kinda looking at it for a couple months but it had left handed target grips on it that turned my off and I never even ask to handle it. They found a set of original grips, put those on and had it for I think $475. I handled it, liked it and noticed it was a Liberty model, they never mentioned that during our negotiations and I certainly didn't bring it up.This all took place 2 1/2 to 3 years ago. I wish sometimes it had a 4 inch barrel but the 6 inch also works very well.

I wouldn't trade this one for a new GP 100 and it seems I am not alone, maybe that has something to do with the price they command.
 
bannockburn said:
Confederate: Well I for one really liked the heavy barrel Security Six; gave the gun a better balance and heft to it. Pachmayr Presentation grips helped too but the Security Six was still head and shoulders above the GP100 in terms of being a much nicer handling revolver.
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I'm afraid my medication took over before I could edit my own message, and I hit the "POST" button. I meant to add that despite everything I said about the Security-Six, it's my favorite .357. It's not as pretty as the S&W 66, but it's considerably stronger. It doesn't have a smooth action like the Colt Python, but it will shoot hundreds of thousands of hot magnum rounds without going out of time (unlike the Pythons).

​

The thing about the Security-Six is that, despite the initial gritty actions, every one I've seen that's been shot or handled for any length of time have had actions that have been been velvety smooth. And many that have been well cared for are beautiful as well.


​
That's why I think Rugers are selling for higher prices. The Security-Six is the strongest of the lightweight 6-shot .357s ever made. When I travel cross country and need a .357 in my glove compartment, or if I were to go camping, fishing or hiking, the Security-Six or Speed-Six would be my number one choice.
 
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Bought this .357 new in 1975 - never occurred to me to put fat grips on it. Gave it to one of my sons 25 years ago. The frame has turned an interesting plum color, but it still locks up tight & shoots great according to son:

Guns082.jpg
 
Personally the Security Six system is one of the best made. Not quite as pretty as the S&W 19/66 Combat Magnum but design wise one of the best.

index.php


And I'm keeping mine.

Deaf
 
Well. I know they're good guns because I had one, and if they weren't, I wouldn't be looking to replace it. I generally tend to look for old Colt DA's (not the Snake Guns) which are basically worthless (with a few exceptions), so I was applying that idea here. I felt like these would just be "used guns," but apparently not.
 
I'll be danged if I can figure out why I sold my 4in blue. I bought a 3 in SP101 a while back and it brings back memories.
 
I agree with Confederate on the “skinny” barrel Security Sixes. They weren’t made for too long before the heavier-barrel model started rolling out, so they’re almost a well-kept secret these days.

I’d personally place the stainless, 4-inch (skinny barrel) Security Six in that proverbial “what’s the last gun you’d ever get rid of” class. It’s as powerful as any other 4-inch .357 Magnum, yet it’s a dream to carry afield, or put in your glove box, nightstand or . . . ?

One huge plus is the breed’s exceptionally durability. I read about rental guns having dizzyingly high numbers of full magnums through them without even the need of a tune-up. Own one of these, and it should survive just about gunsmith-free for as long as you might need.

In the 4-inch / .357 Magnum world, it’s far easier to specialize than to generalize. Want a heavier range gun? Want a stout, little concealable “tank”? Want a scary-light 5-shooter? They are all fairly easy to find.

But try and find a modern offering with those indefinable qualities of the Security Six that most here write about - from experience.

These revolvers are indeed, as perfect a size and weight as has yet been made in a “do almost everything well” powerful handgun. Any followers STILL have a very high mark to shoot for. That's why their current prices are still a "bargain" to me.
 
D.B. Cooper said:
Would some please explain to me why every time I see a Ruger Security or Speed Six for sale, the asking price is nearly as much (within $100) of what I can buy a brand new GP100 for? I don't get it.
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My question would be, "Why would anyone buy a new GP100 for $100 more than they could buy a nice Security or Speed Six?"

 
D.B. Cooper said:
Well. I know they're good guns because I had one, and if they weren't, I wouldn't be looking to replace it. I generally tend to look for old Colt DA's (not the Snake Guns) which are basically worthless (with a few exceptions), so I was applying that idea here. I felt like these would just be "used guns," but apparently not.
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Please let me know where you are finding old Colt DAs that are basically worthless. Although I wouldn't be tempted to trade my stainless Speed Six with 2 3/4" barrel for one. I have several S&W of various calibers and configurations as well as a couple of worthless old DA Colts, but the Ruger gets carried the most.
 
Coyote3855 said:
Please let me know where you are finding old Colt DAs that are basically worthless. Although I wouldn't be tempted to trade my stainless Speed Six with 2 3/4" barrel for one. I have several S&W of various calibers and configurations as well as a couple of worthless old DA Colts, but the Ruger gets carried the most.
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Basically worthless = $300. I mean, that's basically a Taurus price point. (And I wouldn't be caught dead with a Taurus.)
 
I traded even with my son: his GP100 (that I had bought when he needed money) for a Security Six (that his mother had gifted him).
The Security Six fit my hand better, he really liked that GP100, so we were both happy.
Why the prices on Security/Service Six revolvers? Some people try to buy happiness.
 
I was always a Smith guy. Tried a few Pythons and, though beautiful, I thought the triggers were awful.

All of us had model 27's, 28's, 19's and Pythons.

One buddy of ours bought a Security Six.

And, we all just kind of thought "geez, poor guy, all he can afford is a Ruger. How sad."

I was mistaken. I picked up a stainless Security Six years later and realized, that it wasn't a bad gun. At all.

Then I got a great deal on a Service Six (old NYPD gun).

Ya know, the slightly rugged look of the Ruger Six Series is kinda growing on me. There was one I always wanted...and, a very dear friend surprised me with one...a 2 3/4" Speed Six in .357 Magnum.

It's just an outstanding gun. Every bit the equal of one of my favorite guns of all time, the 3" 65. I'll carry hotter loads in the Ruger and not give it a second thought.

I, and others, likely went through the same process. We now realize how good a gun the Six Series was.
 
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